Steve Witkoff Working On Hamas and Israel About Gaza and Hostages Update

 Nadene Goldfoot                                            

Update: August 20, 2025:  Prime Minister Netanyahu signaled that his preference remains a complete deal for the release all 50 hostages, deferring any comparison to a partial agreement—even though Hamas has offered a 60-day truce in exchange for some hostages. Families calling for a deal cancelled a nationwide protest this Sunday after hearing the news. Netanyahu continues to meet with mediators—including the US and Qatari teams—but his latest stance reflects an emphasis on an all-or-nothing exchange.

Steve Witkoff,  Steven Charles Witkoff (born March 15, 1957) in the Bronx and raised on Long Island,  is an American lawyer and real estate investor who has served as the United States special envoy to the Middle East and special envoy for Peace Missions since 2025. He is the founder and chairman of the Witkoff Group, a real estate development firm.  In 2024, Witkoff criticized the Biden administration over its decision to halt the shipment of certain bombs to Israel. However, he also stated that Hamas members are "not as ideologically extreme as they are portrayed" and praised Qatar for its efforts in trying to negotiate an end to the Gaza conflict.  (He certainly didn't know about Qatar hosting Qaradawi, a spreader of anti-Semitism, did he?)                                                      

Prisoner in Viet Nam Days

A person can survive for a significant period without food, potentially up to 70 days or more, but survival without water is much shorter, typically around 5 days. The exact duration varies depending on factors like the individual's health, body fat, and the presence of other fluids. 

Today is the 683rd day the hostages have been held.  That amounts to one (1) year and 318 days, or 47 days lacking 2 years.  We have seen pictures of 2 of the men, in such bad condition that it seems impossible they can hold out for another hour.  

In March 2025, Witkoff said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, by renewing attacks on Gaza, was prioritizing the destruction of Hamas over the release of Israeli hostages.  That was a horrible thing to say to Israel, supposedly being Israel's only friend.  At any rate, he's Trump's envoy .  

Witkoff with the families of the Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv on May 13, 2025

Hamas has reportedly responded positively to a slightly modified Witkoff framework for a ceasefire and hostage release. Israeli agreement could lead to talks in Doha or Cairo, potentially involving Witkoff himself, to finalize the deal.

 Three and a half weeks ago, Hamas demanded the release of 200 terrorists serving life sentences in Israeli prisons, while Israel offered 125. The terror group has now lowered its request to 140-150, leaving a gap of just 25.

 Hamas also softened its stance on the buffer zone, agreeing to a perimeter of 800-1,000 meters (2,625-3,281 feet) compared to Israel’s 1,000-1,200 meters (3,281-3,937 feet). 

Hamas is reportedly also insisting on U.S. guarantees that Israel will not resume fighting after the 60 day ceasefire. The U.S. has not indicated that it is prepared to guarantee anything. 

Yesterday, President Trump posted: "We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be. Remember, I was the one who negotiated and got hundreds of hostages freed and released into Israel (and America!)."
                                                          

Prime Minister Netanyahu said that it is clear that Hamas is under immense pressure and underscored Israel's requirements that include release of all hostages, complete disarming of Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, Israel maintaining security control over the Strip, and a non-Hamas and non-Palestinian Authority governing body.                                 

Meanwhile, Israeli tanks were reported to have entered a southern neighborhood of Gaza City. This could mark the preamble to the planned IDF offensive to take over Gaza City. The Israeli government has indicated that it is no longer interested in a partial deal, but will only settle for a complete release of all hostages and Hamas capitulation.                                   

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis participated in demonstrations and strikes yesterday, to urge the government to negotiate a deal to release all of the hostages and end the war.

 A recent poll shows that over 50% of the population is in favor of a partial deal, while close to 40% is in favor of continuing the war until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are freed.

 The pro-deal faction believes that Israel should sign an agreement and get the hostages back, and then, at a later stage, when Hamas once again violates the agreement, it can attack Gaza again in force, without fear of harming hostages.

 The other side believes that the international community will not allow Israel to go back into Gaza once it leaves, and the threat of Hamas will remain. 

Based on current international public opinion, the anti-deal proponents seem to have it right. In addition, it doesn't seem likely that Hamas will willingly release all of the hostages, under any circumstances. 

In any case, the government will make its decision of which way to go, with a lot more information and insight than any of us have -- so we wait.

HAMAS ACCEPTED A CEASEFIRE.  (8/19/25) 11:00AM MY TIME

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israelAM